THN mock tabs Eberle, Carlson

With Friday's draft proceedings on the horizon, the Hockey News went ahead and released their 2008 1st round mock.

13. Buffalo selects Jordan Eberle, C (Regina)
The Sabres had much of their success using small, skilled players and Eberle is indeed one of those. He’s also courageous and durable enough to make his size a non-issue.
26. Buffalo selects John Carlson, D (Indiana)
The recently inked London Knight is already NHL-sized, plus he boasts power play quarterback skills. The Sabres won’t be the only team gunning for him on draft day.

In our draft preview, the two are flip-flopped with Carlson in the first bucket at #13, and Eberle in the second bucket at #26.
Eberle's puck carrying ability and overall skill level are considered top-notch, making him worthy of having his name called at #13 or #26. The 5'10 scorer is very confident in his offensive game, with 100 points next season as a Regina Pat certainly within reach. Honing his skills for one more season in the WHL will make for a battle tested pivot.
Carlson is an offensive blueliner who controls things in his own end. Covering the ice well, his frame and shot have left some scouts referring to him as a "certain pro". We actually like his decision to enter the OHL to condition himself mentally with a full schedule. If available at #26, he should be considered the best player on the board.

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I'm thinking because the Sabres often go for smaller guys with speed is why THN said Eberle at 13, but I'm wondering if they jump away from that for once; Even Darcy admitted, with guys like Gerbe, Kennedy, and Schutz being signed, they would like to add some bigger players. I'm hoping for some size added, but I wouldn't mind a 5'10" guy only if it's a center b'cuz it's still a position we should target in the 1st round. Darcy also said they like 3 guys in particular for 13th overall: 2 forwards & 1 defenseman...leaves you wondering. Trade up or do they expect one of them to be there? And who are they?

I agree I think that if they get a center I think it should be that Anton Gusston person or Eberle in the 26th overall range but the Sabres should definitly draft Luca Sbisa in the 13th spot...as for goalies I think the Sabres should waste anything over a 4th round on a goalie they are pretty much stacked at that position

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Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.